Barnhardt selected as finalist for Country Woman of the Year

Kim Barnhardt, of Mandan, has been named one of seven finalists for the Farm & Ranch Guide Country Woman of the Year.

The finalists and their spouses will be invited to Mandan to participate in an interview process beginning Thursday afternoon, July 11. Interviews will conclude Friday morning with the winner being announced at the noon program that day.

This year’s award luncheon program will be held on Friday, July 12, beginning at 12 p.m. noon at the The Seven Seas Hotel & Waterpark in Mandan.

All seven finalists will be awarded beef certificates from the North Dakota Beef Commission and other prizes as well. The winner will also receive a prize package that includes a zero-turn riding lawnmower from the Northern Region New Holland dealers, a vacation package for two to Medora, a 100 percent wool blanket, a framed print and more.

The 20th annual Farm & Ranch Guide Country Woman of the Year program promises to be something different for a few reasons this year, most notably because there will be seven finalists vying for the title instead of six.

“Normally just six women are selected as finalists for Farm & Ranch Guide’s Country Woman of the Year honor, but this year is different,” said Pat Sitter, general manager of Farm & Ranch Guide. “Typically the judges rank the nominees and select six finalists, but this year there was a tie and so we have seven that we’re inviting to the program.”

Tickets for the event are sold through Farm & Ranch Guide’s office for $10 per person. The public is encouraged to reserve tickets ahead of time by calling 255-4905; however, walk-ins are welcome.